Jamberry Shield Review

MARCH 2014 UPDATE : Welcome! Thank you for stopping by to read this review. This post has seen a lot of traffic recently, and before you continue, I'd like to remind you that this review is from September 2012. Since then, I've been informed that the Jamberry Shields have undergone a makeover that is supposed to make them easier to apply. I am currently in conversations with another consultant to get the newer versions of the strips. I will post the review of the new versions and provide a link to that post when it is complete.

Please feel free to read the following review, but do keep in mind the age of the post.

Thanks again for stopping by Nailed It!

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I have an unfortunate review to give to you today. I'll say right off the bat, I'm not happy with this product, and I wouldn't buy it again. There are several factors that brought me to this decision, which you should read on to learn about.

I'm showing you some Jamberry Nail Shields today. Similar to the Sally Hansen Salon Strips, these are decals that adhere to your nails. You then shape and file them to match your nail shape.

What's great about them is the huge array of designs, colors and finishes you can buy. I can see anyone interested in fantastic nail art, without the time or practice to create their own, really go nuts with these. You can get the true mirror finish of a chrome with these, as well as glitter, without the mess.

When finished, they look great. They're creative without as much effort.

Getting to this point was not and easy task though.
Maybe I'm more bothered by the shields because I thought it would be an easy, slap-on before running out the door technique that anyone could do. In the end, it took me about an hour to get it to the point it's at in these pictures. It's unfortunate, because I was really rooting for these.

The first major pain point is the way they adhere.

Heat.

The instructions tell you to use a blow dryer to warm up the adhesive backing, making the shield pliable and more sticky. You are instructed to warm up each shield for 15-20 seconds before applying to your nail. My consultant for Jamberry, Jamie (her website can be found here), offered some great tips to make this easier, including holding the adhesive against a table with tweezers to get even heat coverage. I'm glad she mentioned the tweezer part, because holding your fingers near a blow dryer for 20 seconds is almost unbearable. Even on a lower heat setting, it get's unbearable hot. Later, after applying the shield to my nail and noticing corners peeling up, I needed to use more heat to get the stickers firmly onto my nail. That was just too much, and really burned. I felt like a cat with tape on their paws, flicking my hand around to cool it down.

The creasing and buckling of the shields also proved to be terribly annoying. There are plenty of suggestions for getting rid of the creases and ensuring they adhere properly, but the techniques I tried didn't seem to work. This is my first time using anything like this, so maybe it takes practice, but it's a steep learning curve...or I just have a case of the Fridays already. You can see in the two pictures below that there's a strong crease on my thumb I can't get out, as well as lifting at my nail's edge. I'll take part of the blame for that though. I misread the instructions and filed the shield side to side instead of down. Oops.

On that note though, these come with a lot of instructions. Call me old fashioned, but isn't a manicure supposed to be relatively easy? Of course these have to be more complex because there's more to them than pigment and polish, but that's not something I personally like. I'd rather pay $30 (after tip) to go to a salon, get a massage and a warm feeling, not a burning lava hot feeling on my fingers and hands. These shields are $15/sheet, and one sheet is advertised as being able to do 2-3 sets of fingers or toes.

So there you have it. Take it or leave it, that's my experience with Jamberry Shields.

I personally do not like these. But that's also coming from someone who thinks about the challenge of a design all day at work, and gets excited when she lays out all her tools to start a manicure. I prefer to relish over my own nail designs that took work to perfect, but it would be crazy to assume that most people feel the same way. Sometimes you just want cute nails for a special event, in which case these might be for you. They still require a lot of work though, just not the same amount of detail as a homemade nail art manicure might.

If you are interested in trying them out, I can highly recommend a consultant to visit. Jamie was very responsive and professional when she contacted me, and offered some alternatives to the blow dryer when I mentioned I didn't have one. Looking back, I wish I'd listened, because the experience may have been more enjoyable. You can visit her site here, or email her at hollywoodglam.jamberry@gmail.com.

I hope that my review will help you make an informed decision about buying these. Weigh your options and my personal experience, and have fun with them if you decide to purchase.

This product was sent to me by Jamie Holt, an Independent Consultant for Jamberry Nail Shields. The reviews are based entirely on my experience with the products and were in no way influenced by anyone.

I love these wraps! I'm on my third set. The first two I used my small hairdryer and I bought the Jamberry dryer for the third. I love the little dryer, but it isn't absolutely necessary. I found the cold method of application best/easiest for me. You can watch it on YouTube. This allows you to reposition the wrap before applying if you need to. The key is lots of pressure (I use my thumb) and some heat. This reviewer really should try the new Jamberries, especially since this was a negative review.

I am also blow-dryer-less. I'm curious how you heated them without one? I have never seen a positive experience with these (thank you btw for the honest review, sometimes blogs get annoyingly advertising feeling especially with indies beig friends or something. Honest reviews are worth a lot in my book.)

Ugh I have issues with blogs pot comments on iOS, regardless of browser if I accidentally click elsewhere I can't keep typing or edit the comment.

I was saying that I hadn't seen anyone have a good experience so I wouldn't probably get any, but am curious what you used or if you had to get a hair dryer to use them. I probably couldn't do the intense heat. And modern dryers get scorchingly hot too! I just like strips for the lack of all the fumes, sometimes I'm really sensitive to the smells of polish.

Again, thanks for the review, sorry for the borked comment.

Oh, also, do you use any top coat or anything with these? They're vinyl decals, right? Do you think you could isolate a design element and use that on part of the nail like a super thin decal? (isolate or cut a small portion out, like a cameo).

Hi - I am the consultant who sent the product to Katy. An alternative to the blow dryer which eliminates the burning is the use of rice bags, which can easily be made with a sock and rice, if you don't sew. You could also use a small personal heater. I personally use a Lasko My Heat heater to apply mine since it's quieter and I think it's easier to use both of my hands.

I just tried applying these to my daughter's nails (age 3) this week. She loves when I paint her toe nails, so I was excited to try her fingernails. I was very disappointed when they started falling off within hours of application. I followed all the instructions, but I felt like I was burning her with my hair dryer. What is the rice bag technique? I don't think she will let me try it again on her unless I can find something better than the loud hot hair dryer. These are the old shields too...which might be part of the problem.

I wonder if the product has changed in the last year. I just applied them to my 3 year old on Monday and she's been doing great with them. She's bathed and washed her hands several times and they are all still perfect. It took about an hour since it was the first time I had done them and they were the adult size and had to be cut down. I was remarkably impressed.

I found that using a curling iron/flat iron works!! I heat it up and place the wraps glue-side NOT touching the hot iron and you can see them become soft and I applied them immediately to my nail. After that I carefully placed the tip of my nails (medium length) against the iron being really careful not to touch with my skin. I guess this tip doesn't work if you have really short nails.In refference to the product changing: I was told by Roz Lee @purepersonaility.com that the product did change last year (dont know the month) they changed the adhesive on the wraps so that they work better. Im on my 2nd application of these wraps. The 1st one looked good for a day then they started to peel from the tips because I buffed after applying the alcohol...and then applied the wraps. A no-no... nail has to be dry of all oils and ready for the warm glue of the wrap. So 2nd time I used the curling iron instead of the hair dryer. So it might take a couple of times before you get the hang of it. I do love this product, but I am debating whether or not to become a consultant...

The product has definately changed and improved tremendously!!! I have been a consultant now for a year and am in love with these. My business is growing also. If you have any questions let me know, i would love to help in any way i can.

I just got my first sample of these, and after trying them, I have placed my first order. I used a hair dryer, but I'm planning on using a heated rice bag after this since I can use that for the heat AND the pressure. Mine went on pretty easily. There are a few rough spots, but I put that down to operator error. Additionally, they've lasted longer than anything else I've ever tried, hands down (pun sort of intended). That's HUGE for me since I tend to be a picker AND I type, so I'm really, really hard on my nails.

Thanks for the honest review! Just what I feared, it would drive my nuts if I had these creases on my nails. They'd just end up scratched off :/ And for that amount of money, I'd rather buy some polish!

I've said it before, but I just wanted to thank you again for being honest about your reviews. In the blogging world everyone is quick to be like "Love it, go buy!" but the product isn't always worth it.

There is a video out there that shows you how to apply the shield using a sandwich bag. It helps keep it smooth. I still picked them off of my fingers because the sides didn't stay down, but they stayed on my toes for weeks and I got tons of compliments! I am no longer doing my manicures with the shields, but my pedicures will be done with them again. You don't see all the edges and flaws on your feet. :-)

THis is similar to Minx Professional except it's a much lesser quality version and Minx is a professional only product. Although applied the same way, it does take time to get it. I have been offering Minx to my clients for 4 years now and let me tell you when I first started it was a mess but after a few tries you will get the hang of it. Personally i have tried these and don't like them, the quality feels too cheap, but it also depends on the manicure, make sure your nail plate is clean and dry using 99% alcohol. If you are licensed, try minxnails.com, there product (out first) is of higher quality and the sheets are not ass expensive. :)

Finally, an honest review! I think too many people are consultants or friends of consultants who are trying to sell these things are the ones writing all the reviews. It is, after all, a pyramid scheme. I'm on my third set of Jamberry nails. I really tried to give it a chance, but I just don't like them. My nails are fatter toward the fingertip, so I had to cut each nail shield to fit properly. I got each nail perfect on my third try. It took me three hours, but each nail was perfect! But all the talk about these things lasting 10-14 days is a bunch of BS. I'm sure they will stick on your nails that long, but it won't look good. After two days, the tips started getting worn out simply from using your hands to perform daily tasks. And they look awful when your nails grow out. It's not like traditional nail polish where you can simply apply a touch-up coat. I will probably use Jamberry nails again, but I won't recommend them to anyone.

If anyone wants a tip at removing these nail shields, I take mine off after I wash the dishes in hot water. After they have been soaking for a while, they're easy to peel off. If they're still adhered to the nail, run hot water on the nail while gently pulling the shield up.

It's not a pyramid scheme, it's a direct sales company just like Avon or any other. Pyramid schemes are illegal and Jamberry is a legal company offering a legitimate opportunity for people through direct selling. I bought the sheilds and loved them, they stayed on my daughters fingers for a month the very first time I did them. I currently have a set on french tips on right now that I had no problems applying, and they are still firmly on after a week. I do dishes, I went to Sea World, I did gardening and they are still on.

It's unfortunate that others have had bad experiences but to label a company something it isn't is unfair.

Thank you, Sherene. As an Independent Consultant for Jamberry, I appreciate you sticking up for our company. I have worn them for longer than two weeks on my fingernails and it looks a lot better than nail polish after two weeks. I have three kids and I am a teacher, so I wash my hands a lot. I cannot keep polish on but love my Jamberrys. Yes, sometimes you may have a buckle in it, but the designs will win you over. I have even used a flat iron to put mine on!

Definition of a pyramid scheme : "An unsustainable business model that involves promising participants payment or services, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public."

If this is a "pyramid scheme", what is the so-called scheme here?

As a buyer, you are simply buying a product from a consultant with no "strings attached", just as you would from any retailer.

From the consultant's standpoint. They get paid a percentage of sales, just as anyone from a typical commission based job would.

Definition of a pyramid scheme : "An unsustainable business model that involves promising participants payment or services, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public."

Can you tell me what the "scheme" is?

The buyer is simply purchasing a product from a consultant, as one would from a retail store.

The consultant makes a percentage of sales, just as one would on any commission-based job. Sure, someone higher up does benefit from the consultant...but how is that not different from any other job in our country?

The reason MLM's are "pyramid schemes" is because the "independent" consultant makes more money off of recruiting people into the company than they do off the sales of the products. Consultants are encouraged to ask their customer base to become consultants, which eliminates their personal sales prospects. This makes the business model unsustainable, especially when the company requires a certain volume of person sales to continue receiving commission of their downline's sales.

Any MLM that encourages you to recruit your customers is a pyramid scheme.

Sherene. You are proof that ppl just don't know how to use them. The only part you should be cutting is the tip. Thats why the nail sheets come with SEVERAL different sizes. If you have to cut any other part your using the wrong size therefore you WILL have creases and they WILL NOT be easy to apply. You can't sit and tell me that of all the different sizes that come on the nail sheet NONE of those fit you without having to cut around them.

I personally like the shields I couldn't stand the blow dryer so I experimented with different techniques. One of the techniques was a rice sack those stuck better than any other shield I applied. A mini heater that works too and doesn't get as hot but work good which can be found in the camping department. I have short nails as I have a problem biting my nails and they last at least a weak and everyone says they still look nice after 2 1/2 weeks.

Getting them on is only half the problem, imagine getting them off after about 2 weeks, my nails are still recovering, even using the Jamberry methods of removal. It's been about 3 months and My nails are weak and brittle something they were not prior to this. not a cool product, great concept but they still have a lot of work to do.

I used to go to a salon and have acrylic nails done when I stopped it took me forever to rebuild that strength. I appreciate the above information as I now have something else to consider before making a purchase. I greatly appreciate the honesty of the above article and all of the commentary given, it has given me a lot to think about regarding this product.

Not sure if you're still accepting comments on this, but I have to say, I LOVE jamberry nails, and I'm not a consultant or anything. I did have a learning curve on these at first. But if you stick with it and follow instructions, they work amazingly well! I actually had my last set on for 17 days total and could have left them on longer, but I wanted to put a different color on. Over time, they actually bond more to your nails so it almost seems that the longer you wear them, the better they get. Anyways, give them another try; it's definitely worth having so many options at a lot less cost than the salon. Plus, once you're ready to take them back off, they don't leave your nails in the shape that acrylics do.

I just tried my first set, took about an hour but they turned out perfect. I am in love with them! I didn't have any bubble problems at all and thought it was fun to apply them. Mostly I like that they don't chip and the floral pattern I have on is so cute!

I had the same experience. I did my fingers and toes (took about an hour and a half) and I LOVE them. I have been doing crazy amounts of housework today and digging around in the diaper bag. I was totally expecting to look at my fingers and find chips, crumples, etc, like I would with polish. Nope. They still look perfect. My consultant taught me to stick them to my cuticle stick, laying it flat on the table to blow dry ONLY for 3-5 seconds. Then with the stick lay it up against the cuticle and down the nail. I pop the stick off and rub it (strongly)down the sides. Then you trim, file downward to remove excess (this is tricky on toes; you just have to keep filing in the same direction with toes) and then add a little more heat and rubbing. You have to make sure it's not too big for your nail. It forms a water-tight seal to nails only. Not to skin or cuticles. Anyway, I'm thrilled. Years of Acrylics and gels destroying my natural nail and regular polish looking horrible after 10 hours... I may never go back. :)

I just wanted to let everyone know that Jamberry Nails has changed their material as of January and they are thinner now and you use less heat. I am a consultant and you should get back to the original consultant and ask her to send you a sample of the new material.

The new nail shields are much better than the old ones. I couldn't get the old ones to stick at all!! The new ones are thinner, and the 'glue' is better. The stayed on my nails for 2 weeks, and when I was ready to take them off, they peeled off easily. Left my nails in great condition. The reason I LOVE these, is that I can spend a half hour at home putting them on - and don't have to use any formaldehyde-based nail polish. I get a really cute look/pattern (even French Tips) and I don't have to use acetone to remove them!! I hate polish and acetone! YUK. Talk about bad for your nails...Anyway, I tried these for the first time - and was really impressed. Like I said - I tried the old style, which didn't stick at all.... then the new kind. Love em! Get compliments ALL THE TIME!!

It does take practice, but I love them! I am not a consultant nor am I a friend of a consultant. I'm just someone who despises nail polish because it chips within a day or two and do not want to spend a ton of money at a salon. My favorite method to putting them on is with a heated rice bag. It applies heat and pressure without the burn, so there is less creasing and bubbles and I feel it is a lot faster of a method. I'd say don't just try them once and judge the result on that one try. Give them another chance!

Ran across your blog as I was wondering whether or not I could trim my nails once I have my Jamberry shields on. My nails have never grown in my whole life until I used the jamberry Nail Shields. I just started using them two months ago and I love them. The first time I tried them I did not like them so I discussed the problems I had with my consultant. She explained how to improve my application by holding the plastic sandwich baggie on my nails when I heated them. They are not just decals. They bond to your nails and protect them. They lasted two full weeks for me. Had to remove them cuz they grew out too much. I'm not a consultant nor am I related to or friends with one. sometimes you have to try things a few times to get it right.

I just put mine on for the first time and did them w/ half of my fingers with Jam berry and the other half polish. Ummm the polish started chipping one week later and then peeling. The Jamberry is on still perfectly. You barely need to heat them now and if you put them on properly (little to no practice) they will last for 2 weeks easily from what I have seen with friends!

Like all things practice makes perfect. First application is a live and learn. It important to pick a nail wrap that is smaller rather than bigger. Heat and pressure are very important to successful application.

I wish I had found this review before I spent $100 on these craptastic wraps. I agree with another person that commented on here, everyone that raves about these are either Consultants or friends of Consultants. I put these on and they literally started falling off 2 hours after applying them. I tried to salvage them (because you know, they are CRAZY expensive) by applying more heat but the rest of them just fell off in the shower. After doing some digging around I found other similar reviews about these falling off. I will never buy them again and I will be sure to speak up about them to my friends. While they may not be a "scheme" company per se (aside from marketing a not so good product for a pretty penny) they are definitely a Pyramid Company.

Yes, I am a Consultant! But I have a question for you. Did you get back with your consultant and trouble-shoot with her. Different methods work better on different people. And did you know that if you are not satisfied for ANY reason (within 30 days) you can get a full refund? And did you know that if the Jams are defective you can return them at ANY time?

Direct sales companies are NOT pyramid schemes. If you don't like the product, that is fine and you have a right to voice your opinion, but please stop spreading false information. Direct sales is a viable option for many women (and men as well) who want to work from home. There are many, many reputable direct sales companies out there: Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Scentsy, Thirty One, Avon, etc. It is simply a different business model than your typical brick and mortar store who has sales associates, sales managers, district sales managers, regional sales managers and corporate level employees. Please stop the perpetuating the myth that direct sales companies are pyramid schemes.

Kim, you just listed some of the worst "pyramid" offenders out there! LOL.

Any MLM that encourages consultants to recruit their customers as downline becomes a pyramid scheme. You're personal sales dwindle because everyone who buys from you is recruited into the company as consultants. Then you can't maintain your required personal sales volume in order to get the commission checks off your downline.

I ADORE my jam berry nail wraps. I have very thin brittle nails that chip and peel easily and these protect them! I also am finally able to grow them out! I teach and I am a mom and yes they take a bit of time to put on the first few times but now I do my whole set in under 15 minutes and my last set was on for 15 days and I took them off to change the patterns (they still had more wear in them) THe Jamberry nail heater is way easier to use and no burning of your fingers or holding a hair dryer!

Jamberries are awesome. I love them. Most of the issues I am reading above sound like poor application. They are not difficult to put on. I Used to think I preferred to go let someone pamper me but have learned how to pamper myself and take the money saved to buy something needed other than having pretty nails I paid for. These are heat activated and once sealed properly they last for weeks. I have to give in to the urge to change out the design after a couple of weeks. Like with anything else you have to take the time to learn about them. Youtube has many videos. If you want a sticker then go to the dollar store and get a set that will last you 3 hours. I am also learning that after ditching the acryllics I am having to be patient to let my nails grow out from the damage caused over the years. Jamberry WRAPS (not stickers you have to activate the adhesive with heat yes....you should have been told this before you were sold them)...

I'm glad you enjoyed them! My biggest issue when I applied these (mind you, it was a year and a half ago) was the heat. I just couldn't deal with the blast of blow dryer hot air around my fingers. If I try again, I'll give YouTube a look. I'm sure by now there's lots more information about them available than when I tried back in 2012.

I just tried them for the first time. They have stuck in place fairly well and not budged for the last two days except for the tips that picked up a bit but were filed down easily. I used a clothes iron to heat them while holding them with tweezers. Took an hour but I wanted to make sure I learned to do it right.

The difference between Jamberry and all other nail wraps are that these are a vinyl wrap. They are not nail polish. Jamberry wraps are non toxic and latex free too. So safe for everyone to use, even little girls. I have tried Sally Hanson and an Avon brand and they still chip like polish. The Jamberry wraps also don't dry out once you open the package, and you get 2-3 applications on a sheet so I don't believe they are more expensive at all.

I have applied these wraps about four times. I love their looks and i find them really easy to apply. I am concerned now because my nails have started to chip, they are weaker now. I almost never use any other product, so my nails used to be in really good shape. Now I am not that sure about what Lindsay said that it is safe. :(

I tried them-I'm hooked. I didn't have any issues applying them to my nails. It beats changing expensive nail polish every 2 days. I also didn't have any issues with removal-no damage to my nails. I decided to try them because my hands are constantly in water and mine are holding up very well. So Yay!!!!!!!

It sucks you had such a hard time with these, the pattern is soooo pretty! just tried Jamberry for the first time yesterday, and found it extremely easy. I applied mine a little differently though.First I made sure there was no oil on my nails by wiping them with nail polish remover. Then I used tweezers to gently line the sticker up to my nail bed then used and orange stick to adhere it to my nail starting from the bottom middle and working my way up. Then I flashed it with heat from my blow dryer applied more pressure and then heated it one more time and applied more pressure for good measure before heading over to the next nail. Once I was done adding the stickers to one hand I went back and filed the excess off to make sure the sticker had cooled so I wouldn't move. If you wanna try again, try it this way and let me know if it worked for you. :D

I'm glad you liked them! Whenever I have a bad experience with products, I always hope that those who do try them have a much easier time. I'd definitely like to try them again sometime, so I'll keep your technique in mind!

You wrote your post right after you put your wraps on. How long did they stay on? Did you have any problems? I just applied mine two days ago. I heated mine with a hair blow dryer, and they curled. It made it really hard to see to put them on my fingers. Most of them are staying on, but 2 or 3 ended up with a tiny "pleat" in the middle at the tip of the nail. Are you still using the wraps? I've read bad, as well as good reviews. I desperately want these to work. Any other tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I can't believe your "review". I got some and tried them and had NO problems applying them. I even watched their application video and a few others. If you don't rush and take your time, they work fabulously! I'm sorry, but the first picture that you posted has got to be a joke. My 17 year old applied hers and had NO problems after I showed her once how to do it. I can't stand nail polish, it makes me physically ill now. The nail polish wraps are just that, nail polish, and they still smell and chip just like the real thing. These are great. No smell and they last the 2 weeks, I have to, properly, remove them, as there is definite growth on my nail bed. I really do think you should try again. And take your time. Do you possibly have curvy nails? They are a little more difficult to apply, but are still able to be done, yes, there is a video on youtube for that too.

This review was written a year and a half ago. They very well may have changed their strips to be less cumbersome, and I very well may have had a bad experience with these wraps. However, this is my review, and I don't claim it to be true of all their wraps, especially those a year and a half ago. All my reviews are my own, based on my experience with the products (as I state at the bottom of every review post).

I'd be glad to give these another try now that I've had more experience with products and know more about the structure of nails and what works best for various applications of products.

I wasn't being snarky. But some of the things you posted in your review were almost as if you were a 14 year old, complaining. I literally took it as whining. About the hot hair dryer? Why would you stick your finger in the hot dryer?? Did you not read the instructions that came with them?? I don't believe it would tell you to do that. I would love to see you try them out again. There is no need to slam a good product. I'm curious now to go and read more of your reviews of anything. I really do hope you try them out again. They are not as bad as you think. Take your time, read the instructions and have the proper tools. You wouldn't bake or cook with out the right ingredients or utensils would you? Good luck with it Katy.

Really? I didn't mean for the review to sound like I was complaining. I thought I did a pretty good job of providing what I thought to be the pros (design selection) and cons (heat application) of it, giving it a fair chance at the time. It just didn't work for me.

Please re-read the review. I discuss what the instructions told me to do, so please don't make allegations that I didn't read the instructions. As a blogger providing reviews, it's vital that I read the instructions and follow them to provide my readers with the most informed review, good or bad. I realize that I did say I didn't like how many instructions there were, but I did read them nonetheless.

I will be trying these again. The consultant I'm in conversations with has informed me that the product has indeed undergone a makeover to make them easier to apply. So the shields you're talking about are likely the newer versions and, hopefully, don't have the issues I experienced a year and a half ago.

When the review of the newer version of the shields is posted, I will provide a link in this post to that review so readers can make an informed and updated decision on the product. Again, my reviews are based on my experience alone with the product, which may unfortunately mean the experience is not a good one. I do hope it turns out better this next round though.

Katy you did do a great job posting both pros AND cons as anyone should if they are having issues with a product. It helps others know what to look out for. I appreciate your honesty. I will still try them and post my honest review. If they work for me great. If not, I will still post about my experience.

I just put them on my 3 year old daughter 4 days ago and they are perfect! She's bathed and washed her hands several time and so far they haven't peeled or chipped yet. I'm nervous that they might be hard to remove but so far I'm remarkably impressed.

There is always some bad with any good as NOTHING ever works perfectly the first time you try it. I think the misconception comes with the expected "easy and quick" application. Like anything, practice DOES make perfect and you will NOT get them on perfectly the 1st, 2nd or maybe even the 3rd time. However, the more you use them and try different techniques to find the one that works best for you, the better and easier it gets. Yes, I AM a consultant but only became one after using them and loving them! There are lots of tips and tricks like using scotch tape to make a template so you will have perfectly cut wraps (because let's face it, not everyone's nails are perfectly rounded) or putting them on cold and using a baggie and not trying to do them in a hurry because you will make a mess! I am 51 and having SO much fun having "pretty" nails again! I could not afford expensive polish or getting manicures so this is a wonderful and lasting option for me. And they DO last a week or longer until I take them off, which I do weekly because I love trying different designs! So, give them another honest try where you use all the tips and tricks and find what works for you. :)

The wraps do take some practice, and I would highly recommend a consultant show you how to do them as well as ask for some sample sheets to practice with.

My first application was a disaster, however. With help from a consultant, you can learn to put them on effortlessly.

I do recommend using the Jamberry nail heater or finding one similar. This provided the best results and my hands did not feel like they were "on fire". See the application video on the Jamberry website.

I know can do a full manicure in 30 minutes and they look perfect, lasting 2 weeks.

Great review, thanks for posting. My review is mixed but mostly positive. I've gotten lots of compliments and questions with both sets I've worn so far. I tried my first Jamberry set on April 12, 2014, so it seems like the ones I've purchased are the improved version that are thinner and with different adhesive. The application went well but took a long time (for me). The heat from my blow dryer hurt my fingers. The first day or two they looked great but after that they started lifting at the tips of my nails. The lifted edges of the wrap were sharp and would scrape my skin if I rubbed my arm or my face or something. I tried trimming the sharp edges of the wraps with "nippers," I call them (they're like nail trimmers but for cuticles). Apparently, I didn't use enough heat and pressure when I applied them. I removed the wraps after nine days using a bowl of warm water. That went well. Pretty easy and mostly painless. Only my last finger nail hurt, I think because I didn't peel slowly enough. I wiped the adhesive off my nails with a cotton ball and alcohol. My nails seemed pretty healthy still. The texture felt a little different, but I wouldn't say they were weaker.I waited about four days before applying another set. The heat really hurt my fingers, it was a sharp pain at times, but I wanted to do a better job than I did my first time, so I just dealt with it. I'm really glad to read about the rice bag solution, I'm going to try that next time. I don't think I can do the hair-dryer heat again. Hurts just thinking about it. And if I don't have enough heat, then I'll have the sharp edges like I did with my first set :(My second application seemed to be much better. I applied more pressure to the edges and, as I said, used more heat :( This second set I had on for 18 days. Got lots of compliments. They did not lift as badly as my first set. I even trimmed my nails after about a week and filed them down (I don't like having long nails). I love that they don't chip and there's no wetness. The designs are a lot of fun to have on. I removed them last night the same way I did the first time, warm water then wipe with alcohol. My nails are in pretty much the same shape as the removal, however, three of them are split. Two are split at the tips and my thumb is split on the surface of the nail plate. Kind of worrisome since I have strong nails. I'm thinking that it could be from using even more heat on my second application. I hope that the rice bag is a better option. I want to avoid the pain and any splitting of my nails. I also did my toes with my second finger nail application and I have had no problems at all with those. One crease/buckle on one toe, but that was my fault.I'm going to try my third application soon, but I'm going to let my nails "rest" a bit before doing it again. And I'm going to try the rice bag option.

I'm glad to find your review. I too had troubles with these when I purchased some in Oct. 2012. The adhesive did a number on my natural nails. Now I live in a different community where Jamberry is just starting to make an appearance. I was told the adhesive has changed so maybe I should try again, especially in light of the newer positive reviews.

Yes, I am a consultant! I have a question for you. Did you let your consultant know you had problems? Did you let her trouble-shoot with you to ensure a perfect fit? Different methods sometimes work better. Did you know that if for ANY reason you're not satisfied with your Jams you can return them for a full refund (within 30 days of purchase)? Did you know that if the Jams are defective you can ALWAYS return them (no time-frame)? I do not believe Pyramid companies do that. Another note: I've never had any problems with them staying on. However, I did have to try different methods to find the one that works best for me (no wrinkles/bumps). :) Just something to think about. You should always give a company a chance to make something right before jumping in and complaining about it.

I've been using jam berry for a few months and love them; they work wonderfully if you apply them the right way! it does take time but I think it's worth the time since it is so cheap and they do last for up to 2 weeks on your hands! I've had the same Jamberry manicure on for 13 days and it still looks awesome. if they start bubbling or coming off, all you have to do is put the heat on them for a few seconds and apply pressure again. Super easy and totally worth it, in my opinion :)

All this BS about only writing good reviews because they are a consultant or friends of one is just that, BS. I watched the application video before I did my first application and found it pretty easy. I used a manicure wooden stick (purchased at CVS) to hold the Jamberry in front of the heat source, a hairdryer in this case. I did it longer than recommended because I wanted to make sure that the adhesive was more than ready to use. I applied the detal at the base of my cuticle and pressed side to side at the base and worked my way up. I then used my rubber cuticle pusher to make sure it was pressed all the way around the cuticle. I trimmed them and filed in a down motion, like instructed, then I then applied more heat, again like instructed to ensure a tight hold. Like most things, watching and/or reading the instructions is step one, not just jumping in. Prep, how to remove the decal and hold in front of heat source, how to file and how to do a final seal was all covered in the video. I have really enjoyed my Jamberrys, which were purchased from a complete stranger while attending a party hosting by a complete stranger.

All the comments about only commenting positively if you are a consultant or friends of one is complete BS. Like most things, if you read or watch the instructions before you start, it will be much more successful. I watched the application video before I started my first Jamberry manicure. I went out and bought the recommended products (orange stick, rubber cuticle pusher, nail file) before I started. I followed the instructions to a T and came out with great results. I didn't burn my fingers using a hairdryer because I removed the decals from the sheet with an orange stick, like recommended. I didn't have harsh edges at top bc I filed in a downward motion, like instructed. I didn't have lifting on the edges bc I choose a decal that was either perfect or a bit smaller, like instructed. I consider these much like cooking or baking. If you don't read the recipe first, all the way through, you might end up with a disaster. I highly recommend watching the instructional video on the Jamberry homepage before you start.

PS I purchased these from a party hosted by a complete stranger and by a consultant that was a complete stranger. I love my Jamberry!!

Why are people assuming that Katy has a bad experience because SHE did not apply the Jams in the correct manner? She has said numerous times that 1). Her review was from 2012 and 2). She would try them again in the future.

Personally, Jamberry nail wraps are the only wraps that stay on my nails for over two weeks. When I apply them correctly, I have no problems, but if I rush to apply them, I do. I was concerned about trying them, but when they stayed on after completing a mosaic project (sand, water, grout, etc.), I was hooked! They actually protect my nails!

I was skeptical at first, but when they lasted over two weeks of completing a mosaic project, I was hooked! They actually protect my nails! I never tried the wraps sold at the time this blog was written, but the 2014 wraps are WAY BETTER than any others I've tried. The trick is to apply them correctly. If you are burning your fingers, you're not heating them as the Jamberry video teaches. Heat them on an orange stick - never touch the adhesive side with your fingers - then lay them on your nails. Voila!

I wasn't impressed with mine either. Too much heat, they didn't stick on my nails any better than the other nail wraps I've bought at the store, and I could NEVER get the edges to smooth down and be "snag" free....very difficult to cope with for a nail fidgety picker.

I can't comment on your bad experiences, all I can say is that I LOVE Jamberry nail wraps. My nails were then and broke very easily. I' ve been wearing the nail wraps for about 3 months (just put my 6th set on) and my nails are long, thicker and beautiful. I have not broken a nail in over 3 months. Now I have to trim them, which is a first for me in my whole life. The set I just took off lasted for 17 days and I only removed them because they were growing out from the cuticles so much. If you're having trouble, the answer is HEAT and PRESSURE when applying, and a buffer for smoothing out the top edge.

I had the same experience as Katy with my first application. Background: I went online and saw that there was an "official" youtube video for application. I watched that before doing mine for the first time. I have very long nail beds (luckily my nails look like they are long even when they are not) and i love polishing my nails, however i have sinus issues and am very sensitive to chemical fumes, so the polish fumes and the remover fumes were killing me, thus i tried the decals. My nails are also very curvy. I cut them down to size while they were still on the plastic film. I washed my hands with oil-free soap, then went over my clean nails with alcohol as per the instructions. I then used a tweezers to warm them up with a hair dryer. I placed them on my nail and pressed down the middle first, and then the sides. I then used a rubber tipped cuticle stick to go over all of the edges to make sure there was a good seal, trimmed them, used the blow dryer on them again after they were filed and trimmed (the heat was painful on my fingersl also). They all looked good, felt firm, were gorgeous, but it took me an hour and a half (trimming them to fit my nails took long at the very first). They started peeling up a couple of hours later (I was just watching tv, had not had them in water or anything.) I wore them to work the next day - everyone loved them. As the day went by the edges continued to peel up more, by the evening of the second day i just peeled them off, they had parts sticking up everywhere. They peeled off very easily, I washed my hands afterwards and there was no residue left on my fingernails. I purchased three sheets and got a 4th free i believe, so they were expensive. I am chalking it up to user error. I will try the rice method, as the blow dryer method was uncomfortable. But I am definitely going to try them again. They looked fantastic for the little while they stayed on!

I am not a consultant...but have worn them for about six weeks. I have no problems applying, getting them straight or keeping them on...but I do have a friend who said her's came off faster. she learned that she has more oil in her nails, so it was recommended for her to use the Jamberry Nails base coat, which she did and now her's stay on until she decides she wants to change them up. We both use the heater that Jamberry sells, but another friend used a personal heater.

I had a Jamberry rep put mine on and I still lost it randomly somewhere along the way. Don't even know when! I had one done on each hand to try it out. After 2 days I find the corners start to peel up, the tips are chipping away, and catching on everything. I haven't even been to the barn too much yet but I can't see how they stay on for up to 2 weeks, fabulously, with that kind of wear and tear. And it's take solo long to do. I don't have time for that. I love the patterns but make sure you allow a good 30 mins to do this or more.I'm very meticulous and careful and followed everything I was told but still didn't work out as great as I had hoped.

Hi I just tried these for the first time and so far love them I made a bag and put flax in it instead of rice works better because flax is smaller and holds heat well I also used the baggie method to apply lots of pressure with the heat my nails are shaped weird but so far so good :)

LOVE the patterns...HATE the product. I have tried 4 separate applications and every time I have had problems with "buckling" along the edges within hours of application. I have tried many of the "tricks" to get them to lay properly and have gotten what I thought was a good smooth application (particularly good with the plastic baggie method). They looked great for about 2 hours and then the edges begin to pop and it is down hill from there. When I was able to leave them on for 2 days the buckles catching on my pockets if I stuck my hand in my pocket or the peeling tips catching when I putting on clothes or the edges catching a bit of hair if I ran my hands through my hair drove me CRAZY.The fact that there are an endless variety of "tricks" to get these wraps to lay and adhere properly should have been the first clue that they are a waste of time and money. I though maybe it was just me and lousy application but I gave some to a friend and my 17 year old to try and they too had the same results. My 17 year old said it best "These things S**K".

I have tried various application methods and I always get lifting, rippling, bubbling. The wraps come off and split. The design disintegrates. These wraps are not worth $15 in my opinion. Every time I read a negative Jamberry review there is a line of consultants trying to tell the consumer they applied them wrong or to try a different application method. The wraps just don't work for everyone. The instructions are straight forward. Why should I have to spend hour researching tips and alternative methods? Why should I have to waste my money reapplying this expensive wraps? If I follow the instructions then the product should do what is promised, point blank period. Jamberry wraps suck. I regret wasting my money on the product.

I love these! I had a friend invite me to her party and I wasn't interested at all. However, she offered me a free sample and I took the bait. I fell in love from my first application! I'm now on my fourth design. I will never paint my nails again.

I am a consultant and had some of the same issues. It took a bit of practice. All nails are different. All skill levels are different. I've seen some pics that made me lol! Try them. If you like them, continue. If not, ask your rep for some help. Still don't like them... no harm no foul. Some people like tylenol, I think it sucks and take advil. Not everyone will have perfect results with everything they try. I get a week, out of mine not 14 days. I still love them. Maybe you dont...I'm okay with that. They aren't for everyone. They are for me. And I make a nice little salary from repeat customers so it can't be all bad! :) Carry on!

I had good luck with the application process and with having them last, but they tore up my nail beds so badly that my nails are literally crumbling at the ends. It's too bad; I really liked this product and the range of designs, but I can't use them if they're going to destroy my nails.

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